Photo: Margarita Corporan
Every wedding starts with a proposal, but Danielle Colding and Frederic Troadec's is a little different — he proposed twice! In early May of 2014, the couple got engaged for the first time, in a truly practical manner. "The conversation went something like 'Should we do it?' 'Ok, let's pick a date,'" says Danielle. "We easily settled on August 16th, 2014, a year after we started dating, and Frederic went downstairs to our favorite restaurant to see if it was available, and that was that."
On July 22nd, when the couple was knee-deep into planning, they had a second, more storybook moment. "He invited me to meet him at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel," says the bride, "one of his favorite places in the city." After a round of drinks, Fred presented Danielle with rose macarons, her favorite dessert. Inside the second macaron was a ring, and he whispered his proposal in her ear.
The couple kept their wedding simple, nodding to Fred's French heritage and hosting an elegant dinner party with incredible food and wine at Bacchus in Brooklyn, New York. Danielle, winner of season seven of HGTV's Design Star and acclaimed interior designer, focused on the ambiance and created a relaxed, bohemian feel that was perfect for their outdoor celebration.
Read on for all the details, and to see the gorgeous photos by Margarita Corporan.
Danielle's dress shopping began with a trip to Haute Hippie, where she tried on this gold sequined gown with a draped bodice. "Everyone in the showroom gasped when I came out of the dressing room," says the bride. She shopped around for white dresses, but nothing measured up. "It was so comfortable, the perfect silhouette for my shape, and just so me."
She paired her gown with blush Christian Louboutin slingbacks, a glitzy blush clutch, and statement earrings. Her bouquet featured a relaxed collection of blush dahlias and white roses, a soft addition to her glam look.
This bride knows her accessories, donning an oversized ring borrowed from Erickson Beamon. Another sweet accessory? The couple's dog, who wore a collar of greenery for the occasion.
Photo: Margarita Corporan
"I didn't work with a wedding planner," says Danielle, "but I turned to my friends in the bridal industry to help me work out all the details." One such friend? Our very own Editor in Chief, Keija Minor.
The ceremony took place in the courtyard at Bacchus. The tree's branches, strung with lights, served as the altar. The aisle was lined with bunches of babies breath, the bride's favorite flower from childhood.
Danielle walked herself down the aisle to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. The ceremony was officiated by Shaman Durek, a healer the couple is close with, and included two readings, including "On Marriage" by Kahlil Gabran. "My mother passed away, and the same poem was read at her wedding," says Danielle. "It was a way to include her."
Photo: Margarita Corporan
"We didn't go into the planning process with a vision," says Danielle. "We had a feeling we wanted to achieve, and it evolved from there."
The pair worked with Kat of Kat Flower to top the tables, using a combination of small centerpieces and individual blossoms in mismatched vases.
The 80 guests sat at long tables, topped with dahlias and roses, for the French-inspired meal. "One of my favorite details was having the menu written out on an antique mirror," says Danielle. The six course meal included Melon au Porto, Miso-glazed cod, and roasted rack of lamb, and guests sipped kir and Prosecco and rosé. For dessert, everyone nibbled on a selection of pastries, including the bride's favorite rose macarons.
Photo: Margarita Corporan
Danielle surprised Fred with a wedding cake. "He's a chocolate fanatic," she says of the fondant-covered layers. The simple decorations included gold bands and "beaucoup beaucoup" written on top. "It means 'very much' in French," says Danielle, "and it's what Fred always says to me instead of saying he loves me." After dinner, the party headed inside for a DJ-fueled '90s dance party. "We had a blast!" says the bride.
The couple honeymooned in upstate New York, relaxing along a river. "Being married doesn't feel that different," says Danielle. "Except when we're talking to other people — it still feels strange to say 'husband,' but the important thing is that we're incredibly happy."
If you love Danielle's style as much as we do, check out the October 2014 issue of Lonny to see what inspires her.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Bacchus || Bride's Wedding Dress: Haute Hippie || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Jewelry: Erickson Beamon || Makeup: Nadine Vendryes || Groom's Attire: By Robert James, Y-3 || Florist: Kat Flower || Invitations & Paper Goods: Minted || Music: DJ Center || Catering: Bacchus || Cake: Betty Bakery || Photography: Margarita Corporan